Pards Praises "Faithful And Loyal" Supporters

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Alan Pardew has praised the Newcastle United fans for their "faithful and loyal" support throughout the team's recent poor form, and had promised that his side will attempt to give them a warm glow despite the current sub-zero conditions on Tyneside.

The Magpies boss is confident that Saturday's game against Reading will survive the big freeze and knows his current charges will be backed by one of the largest crowds in the country against one of his former clubs.

Pardew admits that the last few results have given the Toon Army good reason to be frustrated but has been amazed by their steadfast support which has helped Newcastle pick up vital home wins against Wigan and Queens Park Rangers even as their wait for a first away win of the season continues.

And although he admits it may not always be pretty, Pardew is determined to get some more points on the board starting with the visit of Brian McDermott's men this weekend.

"I think our fans have been particularly faithful and loyal to us because we've had a tough spell with things going against us," he said.

"I think now we've just got to find a way, that's what we're going to have to do. Our gameplan that we had last year and the way we played a little bit might need to change to just make sure that we continue being a stable Premiership side and then look to next year to start going back to attacking the top of the league.

"I think that's really where we're at and I think our fans recognise that. For us, it's now about getting the right complement of players and making sure we're strong and put some excitement on that football pitch between now and the end of the year.

"Because in the first half of the season I don't think it's been good enough - and I'm the manager saying that."

He added: "This weekend we've got some horrendous weather coming in and I think it's an important game for the fans to turn up and be strong for us. They've been brilliant all year.

"The snow's coming but we've got probably the best workforce at the ground to clear it and a good relationship with the council and we're doing everything to make sure it's definitely going to be on.

"I think some games will get called off this weekend but I think ours will definitely be on and I'm hoping we go and make our fans happy which will be a nice change."